Constipation question

[BettyG 75]

Hi all,

I will be getting a RNY bypass, but first I have to do 6 months of medically-supervised weight loss. My dietician has put me on a high-protein/low-carb diet. I have to get at least 100 grams Protein every day, but must eat fewer carbs than protein (so less than 100 g carbs/day). So the net result of that is my calories dropped from about 2500/day to about 1400/day and Fiber went from 25g average to maybe 10g average. I'm so constipated! I'm taking MiriLax and eating 3 prunes every morning but it hasn't helped much. Will my body adjust? And how the heck will I get enough fiber post-op? :-/

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[catwoman7 10,846]

probably not. Most post-op people battle with Constipation. It's not the surgery - it's the diet and the supplements. You'll have to try different treatments and combos of treatments to figure out what works for you, because you'll have to keep on top of it or it will get really bad..

[theantichick 2,204]

Hi all,

I will be getting a RNY bypass, but first I have to do 6 months of medically-supervised weight loss. My dietician has put me on a high-protein/low-carb diet. I have to get at least 100 grams Protein every day, but must eat fewer carbs than Protein (so less than 100 g carbs/day). So the net result of that is my calories dropped from about 2500/day to about 1400/day and Fiber went from 25g average to maybe 10g average. I'm so constipated! I'm taking MiriLax and eating 3 prunes every morning but it hasn't helped much. Will my body adjust? And how the heck will I get enough fiber post-op? :-/

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My surgeon and my primary doc said that it's common with a high protein diet. You can use Miralax or other fiber supplements to try and up your fiber. It's also important to up your Water and your exercise. Walking in particular helps stimulate the bowel to work properly.

My primary gave me a recipe for "fiber applesauce" that is 1 cup of applesauce, 1 cup of wheat bran, and 1/2 cup of prune juice. Mix it, refrigerate it, and take 1-2 tablespoons per day WITH AT LEAST 8 oz of Water. She said that almost all of her patients with Constipation issues can get completely off laxatives and stool softeners if they'll do that and drink LOTS of water. I can't stand the prune juice part, but am going to mix some up without that part and see if it's effective. There are carbs involved, obviously, but it shouldn't be much given you're only eating 1-2 Tbsp a day.

[stacyrg2 350]

On my doctor's orders, I drink a glass of metamucil every day. I can count on one hand the times I've had Constipation issues since starting the metamucil.

[shedo82773 1,236]

If you take the prunes and cover them with Water then steep them until they are soft. Drink some of the warm juice and eat a few prunes it will make you go!! Also, one of the things I have been told to use is Psyllium husks. They are great fiber to help you do the go!! Be sure to drink lots of Water tho.

[BettyG 75]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

I can't use wheat bran because I'm intolerant to gluten, but I hope that adding a fiber supplement like Metamucil to my Protein shake will help.

I'm worried about taking MiriLax every day forever -- the bottle says to not use it long-term.

I need to add walking, that's a good idea. This high-fiber/low-carb/low-fiber diet coincided with getting really sick (flu then Migraine, now a cold) so I haven't been exercising.

I do drink lots of Water -- at least 7-9 glasses a day (plus 12-24 oz almond milk in Protein shakes and herbal tea).

I don't like prune juice (so sweet, ugh) but it is effective so maybe I will have to start using it.

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[_Kate_ 2,224]

I have always suffered with Constipation, since being about 9/10 years old and I too was worried about a high Protein diet making it worse. I find that if I don't drink enough or walk enough, I can get really compacted and its a nightmare to 'get out'.. Im just doing a colon cleanse over 2 weeks and stuff is certainly moving along !

Someone reported that when they eat advacado they go to the loo.

I think there are lots of suggestions and ideas. Its just finding the one that works for you.

Good Luck !

Kate

[JenniferAnne 11]

Hi all,

I will be getting a RNY bypass, but first I have to do 6 months of medically-supervised weight loss. My dietician has put me on a high-protein/low-carb diet. I have to get at least 100 grams Protein every day, but must eat fewer carbs than Protein (so less than 100 g carbs/day). So the net result of that is my calories dropped from about 2500/day to about 1400/day and fiber went from 25g average to maybe 10g average. I'm so constipated! I'm taking MiriLax and eating 3 prunes every morning but it hasn't helped much. Will my body adjust? And how the heck will I get enough fiber post-op? :-/

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Add a stool softener (or 2) daily. Start post ip Vitamins NOW. Both will help. Also, I've recently started adding chia seeds to my diet.... a couple teaspoons to a couple tbsp daily. They're pure fiber. If I go more than 3 days without a BM I add a gentle laxative.

Have a great day!

[theantichick 2,204]

Hi all,

I will be getting a RNY bypass, but first I have to do 6 months of medically-supervised weight loss. My dietician has put me on a high-protein/low-carb diet. I have to get at least 100 grams Protein every day, but must eat fewer carbs than Protein (so less than 100 g carbs/day). So the net result of that is my calories dropped from about 2500/day to about 1400/day and fiber went from 25g average to maybe 10g average. I'm so constipated! I'm taking MiriLax and eating 3 prunes every morning but it hasn't helped much. Will my body adjust? And how the heck will I get enough fiber post-op? :-/

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Add a stool softener (or 2) daily. Start post ip Vitamins NOW. Both will help. Also, I've recently started adding chia seeds to my diet.... a couple teaspoons to a couple tbsp daily. They're pure fiber. If I go more than 3 days without a BM I add a gentle laxative.

Have a great day!

Just wanted to say about the chia seeds, if you're newly post-op please check with your doctor before eating those. Tiny seeds, especially ones that expand, can cause trouble with the incision if it's not healed enough.

[Djmohr 6,965]

Prior to bypass i always had diarrhea. Since having bypass surgery I have consitpation every day. My doctor put me on Linzess and that helps but i still have trouble.

I drink my goal in Water and it definately helps because on days where i dont, i really struggle.

[BettyG 75]

Well I'm quite concerned now that Constipation will be an ongoing struggle after my surgery, LOL. It won't deter me, though. Guess I had better find out a good strategy now. I had HORRIBLE constipation after my 3rd abdominal surgery. I was in agony and had to take very drastic action. I don't want to repeat that, so I'll take my colace etc but I also need to prevent constipation daily for the rest of my life.

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